Wednesday February 22 2012
Music
Pirates at the Palace
Theatre
Astwood Bank Operatic Society will perform the hilarious Broadway version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance at the Palace Theatre in Redditch from March 6–10.
This version combines the words and lyrics of the original with exciting new musical arrangements and completely over-the-top characters. And as 2012 is a leap year, this is the most appropriate of shows as the leap year theme is very much to the fore.
Performances will take place at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 for evening performances and £11 for the matinee, and are available from the Society’s hotline: 01527 546569 (until Feb 19) and the theatre box office: 01527 65203.
So whether you are a seasoned Gilbert & Sullivan fan or just love musical comedy, don’t miss this wonderfully colourful production with a full orchestra, costumed characters, scenery and vibrant singing – guaranteed fun for all the family.
Gould Piano Trio
Music
Bromsgrove Concerts present the Gould Piano Trio at Artrix on Fri Feb 10. The concert begins at 8pm and features music by Haydn, Dvorak and Messiaen.
The Gould Piano Trio have built up an international reputation, with regular tours of the USA. Since 1999 they have held their own annual summer festival at Corbridge in Northumberland.
Clarinettist Robert Plane joins them for a performance of Messiaen’s stunning Quartet For the End of Time.
Mendelssohn and More
Music
The Midland Sinfonia presents Mendelssohn and More at 7.30pm on Sat Feb 18 at Artrix. Mendelssohn’s violin concerto in the hands of Shulah Oliver will be a thrilling and beautiful occasion.
That together with Mozart’s Haffner and Beethoven’s Seventh, featuring one of the largest orchestras The Midland Sinfonia has yet presented, should make for a splendid evening.
Tickets £15 (children accompanying an adult are free) available from www.artrix.co.uk or 01527 577330. F/t students and reg. unemployed £5.
For more info or to see details of the full programme visit www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk
Music from Fiona and friends
Music
Alvechurch Baptist Church presents a musical concert at 6.30pm on Dec 1, when “Fiona and Friends” will be playing the harp, singing and performing.
Tickets £5 per adult, £3 per child, in aid of Alvechurch Baptist Building Fund, to include light refreshments.
Tickets can be obtained from Fiona Lee on 0121 447 7369 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Candlelit concert
Music
The Midland Sinfonia presents its annual Candlelit Concert in St Laurence Church on Sat Dec 3 at 7.30pm, led by Daniele Rosina as guest conductor.
This is a very popular concert with the church bathed in candlelight and a delightful evening of festive music. What better way to start your festive season – if you come to no other Midland Sinfonia concerts, you really shouldn’t miss this!
Tickets on the door £12, in advance from The Village Green Grocer or from Marian on 0121 447 7040 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Students and registered unemployed £5, children free when accompanied by an adult.
More info at http://www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk
Double gig at Rowney Green
Music
Rowney Green Village Hall’s next gig organised by Erin Green of Brightside Music is on Sat Nov 19 and features two sets of artists: Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin (a duo) and Cole Stacey.
Both are attracting a lot of attention on the roots scene as really promising upcoming musicians.
Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start. Tickets £10, available via http://www.brightsidemusic.co.uk.
If you are planning on attending, please let Erin know in advance via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by calling or texting 07543 889758.
Week of Disney-themed activities
Theatre
Local theatre school The Star Project is offering a fabulous week of fun for children during half-term this autumn – a Disney Performance and Activity Week!
Running from Monday October 24 to Friday October 28 at the Barnt Green Parish Centre, the programme is open to children aged from four to 12 years old and of all abilities.
Participants will explore the world of Disney in a fun-filled week of games, activities and musical theatre, leading to a Cabaret performance for parents and families on the Friday evening.
The activities include learning Disney songs and dances, arts and crafts such as “make your own Disney character”, a fashion show, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and a Neverland Treasure Hunt.
Sessions run from 10am–3pm daily except Friday, when it’s 12noon–6pm. The cost is just £99 per child, and places are limited so make sure you book now to avoid disappointment!
Call Jo on 07917 197024 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
More musical talent at Rowney Green
Music
Following a fantastic performance from multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Phil Beer, Rowney Green Village Hall’s series of live acoustic gigs continues with Steve Knightley on Weds Sept 28.
Described as one of England’s greatest songwriters, Steve (along with Phil Beer) is one half of acclaimed acoustic roots duo Show of Hands, and is renowned for his strong, trademark narrative songs.
The newly-refurbished hall’s intimate setting makes the audience feel part of the performance, with the bar adding to the laid-back feeling of the evening! Tickets £15 (£10 for under 14s), available from http://www.wegottickets.com (there is a small charge of 10% for the convenience of booking online). Tickets on the door will cost £1 extra.
The gigs are organised by promoter Erin Green, who grew up in the area and has now founded Bright Side Music Promotions. For information about the other artists appearing throughout the year, visit http://www.brightsidemusic.co.uk, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 07543 889758.
Concert to raise funds for Cambodia trip
Music
Barnt Green ladies Jill Ellison and Sue Heard will be setting off on the Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Challenge in November, raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
They have organised a number of fundraising events to boost their total, and the next one is a concert at The Ark, St Laurence Church in Alvechurch on Friday Oct 14. Starting at 7.30pm, attendees will be entertained by a fabulous variety of musically talented people, including some up and coming stars of tomorrow.
Tickets £6 for adults and £3 for children (refreshments/snacks available for a small additional charge). Tickets available from Jill on 07855 798368 or Sue on 07974 396695, or from The Acorns Hospice Shop, High Street, Barnt Green; The Village Greengrocers, The Square, Alvechurch; or Village Pets & Gardens, 113 Golden Cross Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0LA.
More from Max Lyrical
Music
Local band Max Lyrical play on Sat Oct 8 with support from the Beam Hall Session Band. From 8 till late, they will perform songs from the 50s to the Noughties, songs you’ll know and love.
The gig is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Mayday Trust for the Homeless, and there will be a raffle on the night. Tickets £6 (conc £3) from Jo Watson on 07769 158565 or pay on the door.
Second season of Acoustic Roots
Music
The second season of Alvechurch Acoustic Roots starts on Sep 30, at 8pm at Alvechurch Social Club. The first season showcased the depth of creative talent for which the village is famed.
All types of music (Roots, Blues, Folk, New Country), and all types of acoustic instruments (fiddle, melodian, guitar, mandolin, banjo, solo voice) featured, and there were also other performance artists including poets and storytellers.
Dates for the first half of the second season are as follows: Fri Sep 30; Fri Nov 4 (Guy Fawkes Tribute); Fri Nov 25 and Fri Dec 23 (Christmas Special). All are 8pm start and admission is still only £3.
Each night is hosted by the Acoustic Roots House Band, and will finish as before, with the legendary Acoustic Roots Orchestra playing a few jigs and reels. The Orchestra rehearse in a workshop format once a month at the Social Club, where all sorts of musical collaborations are possible.
If you would like to know the workshop dates or are interested in performing at the gigs email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Solo musicians typically perform two/three songs and others three/four songs. Poets have five-minute slots. If you have other performing talents that will fit the bill, the team would love to hear from you. Keep music and performance live!
Arrow Vale Singers in concert
Music
Join the Arrow Vale Singers for their autumn concert at Studley High School, Crooks Lane, Studley on Oct 8 at 7.30pm for an evening’s entertainment.
The concert will feature songs from musical theatre, classic pop, spirituals, choral classics and traditional songs based around the theme of Colours of Autumn. Tickets are £7 and are available from http://www.arrowvalesingers.co.uk or on the door. A licensed bar will be available.
The Arrow Vale Singers are a friendly mixed voice choir of over 50 singers who meet every Wednesday evening at the Batchley Community Centre, Redditch, 8–10pm. They sing for pleasure, performing several concerts annually and welcome potential new members who would like to attend a rehearsal to see them in action.
The ability to read music is an advantage but not essential as the group rehearses in “easy steps”. The wide repertoire includes classics, classical pop, musical theatre numbers, spirituals, traditional songs and much more.
Please visit http://www.arrowvalesingers.co.uk for further details, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Top musicians bound for Rowney Green
Music
Rowney Green Village Hall is set to become known as a venue for live acoustic and roots music as a series of gigs brings top musicians to the area.
Following a very successful first event in May, the hall welcomes the legendary Phil Beer on Thursday July 14 at 8pm.
Phil, one of the most popular ambassadors for acoustic roots music, is best known as a top flight fiddler as well as playing slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American cuatro. His rich vocals and ability to play a wide range of instruments so beautifully make him an absolute pleasure to watch – guaranteed to get your feet tapping and leave you wanting more!
As well as being one half of Show of Hands, widely acclaimed as the finest acoustic roots duo in England, Phil is also in demand as a producer, and has formed his own record label, Chudleigh Roots. This year saw him declared Musician of the Year at the Spiral Earth Awards.
The newly-refurbished hall’s intimate setting makes the audience feel part of the performance, with the bar adding to the laid-back feeling of the evening! Tickets £12 (£10 for under 14s), available from http://www.wegottickets.com (there is a small charge of 10% for the convenience of booking online). Tickets on the door will cost £1 extra.
The gigs are organised by promoter Erin Green, who grew up in the area and has now founded Bright Side Music Promotions. For information about the other artists appearing throughout the year, visit http://www.brightsidemusic.co.uk, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 07543 889758.
Stars of acoustic scene
Music
An intimate concert at The Ark, Alvechurch, on June 12 will introduce villagers to folk duo Blackheart, regarded as rising stars of the British acoustic scene.
Their style of music, christened ‘Urban Folk’ by the UK music press, combines the sound of traditional acoustic folk instruments with a modern approach to songwriting.
Now signed by Angel Air Records, Blackheart have released two albums and two singles, and their release Wednesday Afternoon got national UK airplay and reached No. 9 in the US Tower folk chart.
Other successes include a track on a major TV commercial (Moben Kitchens), BBC Radio 2 Spotlight Song of the Day (twice) and single Bleak Midwinter which reached No.1 in the NCM Euro Chart. Listen to the new album Invisible at http://www.blackheartmusic.co.uk
The concert starts at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £8 – ring Ian Price on 0121 447 7955 (Mon–Fri, 9am–1pm), email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit http://www.thearkalvechurch.co.uk.
Tickets are also available from The Village Green Grocer in The Square, Alvechurch.
City Sinfonia in town
Music
The Sinfonia of Birmingham gives a concert at St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green on Saturday July 2 at 7.30pm.Stefan Hofkes will conduct Masques et Bergamasques by Faure, Honegger’s Pastorale d’ete, Haydn’s Symphony No 103 (Drumroll), and the Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto with soloist Lesley Knowles. Tickets £10 (£8 over 60s, £6 other concessions) available from the Parish Office on 0121 447 7097 or from the orchestra on 0121 453 2898.
Choral Society Concert
Music
Barnt Green Choral Society’s Summer Concert is on June 18, 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, with ‘Songs from the Shows’ including Les Miserables, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera and various Rogers and Hammerstein Broadway numbers. Tickets £8 to include refreshments. For further info call Fiona Brown (Secretary) on 0121 445 5513 or visit www.barntgreenchoralsociety.org.uk
Latest gig for Old Farts
Music
The Old Farts, the local band who have raised around £15,000 for various charities over the past 10 years, play their next gig on Saturday July 9 at Barnt Green Social Club. Starting at 8pm, the event will raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Tickets £10 (to include barbecue), available from the Club or Phil Crawford on 0121 445 3196. The band plays a mixture of 60s and 70s pop and rock, with a few newer songs thrown in.
Shiningfriends Music
Music
Shiningfriends Music hosts six or more concerts per year at Lickey Parish Hall, with top artists/musicians/songwriters from all musical genres.
More info from Paul Edwards on 07753 487632 or Jane Lucas on 07764 581153, or http://www.shiningfriends.com
Nights at the Opera
Music
Welsh National Opera presents two very different tales of passion at Birmingham Hippodrome from June 8–11.
Turandot is on Jun 8 and 10, as WNO’s Music Director Lothar Koenigs conducts a spectacular production of Puccini’s final opera. Set in the 20th century, this interpretation creates a portrait of a society where those who fail in their quest for love pay with their lives.
Così fan tutte is on Jun 9 and 11, as director Benjamin Davis invites the audience to pack up their buckets and spades and head off to the 1950s British seaside in his first new production for the Company.
All performances 7.15pm. Tickets from £15, available on 0844 338 5000 or at http://www.birminghamhippodrometickets.com
The Fairies are landing!
Theatre
Bromsgrove Operatic Society, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s fanciful comedy Iolanthe at Artrix from Mon May 9 to Sat May 14.
Tickets £9 Mon, £11 Tues, Wed & Thurs, and £13 Fri and Sat. Book on 01527 577330 or http://www.artrix-tIckets.co.uk
Elvis is coming!
Music
ADVANCE NOTICE!
Where Next is hosting an exciting Elvis Night with Kevin Paul (as seen on GMTV) on Sat Oct 8 at The Ark in Alvechurch.
Tickets £10, available from the Where Next Redditch office: Wellesbourne Close, Easemore Road, B98 8ER, tel 01527 69955.
More info at http://www.wherenextassociation.co.uk and http://www.kevinpaul-elvis.co.uk
Lunchtime concerts
Music
Lunch-time concerts in St John’s Church, Bromsgrove will take place every Wednesday in July, from 1 –1.40pm.
The concerts are FREE, but retiring donations in aid of St John’s Church are requested.
For details please phone Cathy on 01527 870048 or just come along!
Berries rock on
Music
The Rockin’ Berries 50th Anniversary Tour is nearing its end as the boys play Artrix in Bromsgrove on Saturday June 4.
If you enjoyed the music of the Sixties and you can still do the Twist, book your tickets now on 01527 577330 or online at http://www.artrix.co.uk
European Masterworks
Music
The Midland Sinfonia presents a concert of European Masterworks at Bromsgrove’s Artrix on Sat May 21, featuring Elgar’s Serenade, Britten’s Simple Symphony, Wiren’s Serenade and Strauss’ Metamorphosen for 23 Solo Strings.
A rare opportunity to hear the extraordinary Metamorphosen by Strauss, one of his most heartfelt and expressive works.
Tickets £14 (students and registered unemployed £5, children free if accompanied by an adult). Call 01527 577 330 or book online at hhtp://www.artrix.co.uk
Weekend of events at St Laurence
General Events
St Laurence Church in Alvechurch holds a two-day Flower Festival on the weekend of May 14 and 15, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the building of the William Butterfield extension to the church.
The Festival runs from 10am to 5pm daily and culminates with a service of thanksgiving attended by the Bishop of Worcester.
As well as over 30 flower arrangements by local organisations, children from the schools, playgroups and the new youth group from the Lounge are also taking part, interpreting the theme of All the Days of my Life.
Coffee, lunches, a bar and teas will be served throughout the festival in the Ark.
On the evening of May 14, an extra event will take place after the Festival: a fundraising concert organised by Year 4 children from Crown Meadow First School.
They have been studying Peru this year and developing links with San Lucas School in Arequipa, facilitated through the Church of England Worcester Diocese and supported through the kind folk at St Laurence church. The children wanted to raise money for San Lucas School and the C of E churches in Peru, and hit upon the idea of putting on a concert.
They invited Alvechurch Community Choir and Bel Canto choir from Redditch to perform alongside them, and St Laurence offered the use of the church and Ark.
The Concert for Peru begins at 6.30pm.
The children are practising their own songs and will also join Bel Canto to sing Dona Nobis Pacem and Alvechurch Community Choir to sing two Peruvian songs in Spanish.
They plan to bring and sell cakes and also hold a Bring and Buy stall in the interval. Some artwork by year 4 will also be on display at the Flower Festival.
Tickets are available via the office at St Laurence or Crown Meadow First School, at a cost of only £3.
Tardebigge Flower Festival
Gardens & Flowers
A Flower Festival takes place at St Bartholomew’s Church, Tardebigge, on Sat June 25 and Sun June 26 from 9am.
The event will feature beautiful displays from local organisations, delicious refreshments and a Plant Sale from 10am on the Saturday.
On the Sunday there will be musical entertainment from Warwickshire Quire “Immanuel’s Ground”, including a sung Evensong at 4pm.
Entry fee £2 on Sat, donations on Sun.
Alvechurch Acoustic Roots
Music
Alvechurch Acoustic Roots has its next gigs on Fridays May 6 and May 27, upstairs at Alvechurch Social Club from 8–11.30pm.
The last couple of sessions have proved a great success, with performers including musicians, storytellers and the Acoustic Roots Orchestra (pictured).
The aim is to provide a stage for acoustic music and anything else appropriate, as long as it’s creative, artistic and live! Feel free to turn up and watch or even participate – a typical slot is 10 mins, and there may be some “open mic” slots available on the night (contact the organisers in advance if you wish to perform).
There are regular breaks when everyone can enjoy quality background music and real ale. Entry £3 (£2 conc).
For further info ring Paul on 0121 445 6055 or email jan.brice@gmail.com
Come and sing along!
Music
Arrow Vale Singers invite you to an Open Evening and Sing-Along on Weds April 27, from 8–10pm at Batchley Community Centre, Redditch B97 6PB.
Men and ladies, beginners and more experienced singers welcome. Join in some well-known songs, meet the members and stay for cake and coffee.
For more details, visit http://www.arrowvalesingers.co.uk or call 01527 454858.
Sinfonia hosts string quartet
Music
The Midland Sinfonia hosts the Enigma String Quartet on Sat April 30, at 7.30pm in St Laurence Church.
This ever-popular quartet offers an evening of Impressionistic music with an English and French influence. A delightful mix of tuneful and melodic pieces – some familiar, some less well known, from folk to opera and possibly a few surprises along the way.
Tickets £12 on the door or from The Village Green Grocer or Marian on 0121 447 7040. Students and registered unemployed £5, children free if accompanied by an adult.
More info at http://www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk
A celebration of choral music
Music
A Celebration of Choral Music takes place at Bromsgrove School on Sat April 9, with the renowned Treorchy Male Choir.
Organised by the Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, June Griffiths, the concert will raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.
It begins at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £17.50 or £25 for a balcony seat – price includes programme and glass of wine.
Tickets available from the Customer Service Centre at the Dolphin Centre on School Drive, or from Sharon Chaplin on 01527 881484.
Jazz stars in Alvechurch
Music
The Ark at St Laurence extends a warm welcome to Richard Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz on April 1.
The members of this terrific band are all stars in their own right, having played with some of the legends of jazz including Humphrey Lyttleton, Monty Sunshine, Chris Barber, George Melly and visiting musicians Willie “The Lion” Smith, Bud Freeman, Earl “Father” Hines and Wild Bill Davidson to name but a few.
The band plays a variety of musical styles, not just jazz – Chicago, Swing and Dixieland sprinkled with Vaudeville humour. It’s great entertainment and it is difficult not to be swept along by the atmosphere and music this marvellous band creates.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (includes a glass of wine) and are available from Sue Brotherton on 0121 447 7037 or The Village Green Grocer in Alvechurch.
Alvechurch Community Choir
Music
Alvechurch Community Choir meets at 7.30pm every Monday in term-time at Alvechurch Middle School. We are an open access singing group and welcome anyone over 11 years old, but ask that under-16s come with an adult. Currently we have over 60 regular members but are always keen for new people to join us. Every third Monday we move our rehearsal to the Crown at Withybed Green and have a singalong session in the pub. Come and try us out!
Barnt Green Community Gospel Choir
Music
Barnt Green Community Gospel Choir are a friendly and diverse group of people who are looking for more members! We meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at Barnt Green Baptist Church and we welcome anyone who has a passion for singing; no experience needed. To find out more, please contact Jess Baker on 07734 649049 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Max Lyrical
Music
Max Lyrical is a seven-piece Alvechurch-based band that plays songs from the 60s to the present day, and is available for your party or charity event. Songs range from Do You Know the Way to San Jose? to Crazy in Love and the band are happy to discuss individual requirements. Full list of songs available on request. Call Mark on 0121 445 0466 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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